Life's Final Destination

By Amy Shannon

When the earth-shattering news about the deaths of the unforeseen spread across Sars Springs, each person deals with the news and grief in their own way. Tragedy in this magnitude as never affected Sars Springs as these deaths have.

Will the family find their way and be able to move on or will they allow their grief to overwhelm their lives?

Can the new and old generations of Sars Springs move on or will their life stay stagnate? Learn how the new generation of Sars Springs, as well as the older generation try to move on, or will they separate themselves from those who need them the most? Is there a life after death? Can the dead ever really return, or do they just fade away and cease to exist?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Shannon
• Release date: Nov 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215406243

Amy Shannon

Amy Shannon is an author, professional book reviewer and literary consultant. Amy is republishing and publishing some for the first time, her MOD Life Epic Saga, which has over 67 volumes, and 9 bonus books.

Book preview

Life’s Final Destination

Amy Shannon

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Essence Publishing

Ballston Spa, NY 12020

https://essenceenterpriseus.com/essence-publishing

2023 Edition

Copyright © 2023 by Amy C Shannon

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permissions of the author, except by a review who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a newspaper, magazine, or journal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favorite authorized retailer. Thank you for your support.

Credits:

Cover Illustration Copyright © 2023

Cover design by Amy Shannon

The Entire MOD Life Epic Saga

1 Unwritten Life

2 Rewritten Life (Best Read after Unwritten Life)

3 Unwritten Life's Paths to Destiny (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

4 Written Life's Past Meets Present (Best Read after Rewritten Life)

5 Life's Written Past

6 Life's Unwritten Future

7 Another Written Life

8 Life … Rewritten

9 Unwritten Life & Death

10 Life's Healer

11 Life's Hindering Hope

12 Life's Binding Ties

13 Life's Resurrection

14 Life's Infiltration

15 Life's Revival

16 Life's Depths of Souls

17 Life's Explosion in Time

18 Life's Connections

19 Life's Collision

20 Life's Intersection

21 Life's Final Destination

22 Life's Generations

23 Return to Life

24 Life's Resolution

25 A New Unwritten Life

26 Life's Dissolution

27 Life's Linear Souls

28 Life's Choices

29 Life's Passions

30 Life's Awakening

31 Life's Vengeance

32 Life's Heartful Depths

33 Life's Quaking Souls

34 Fractured Life

35 Life's Drowning

36 Life's Exploration

37 Life's Curative

38 Thicker than Life's Blood

39 Life's Salvation

40 Capturing Life's Midnight

41 Life's ReEvolution

42 Life's Soulful Intentions

43 Life's Jagged Flames

44 Life's Rising Depths

45 Life's Doomed Immortality

46 Life's Raw Enforcement

47 Life's Deemed Corruption

48 Life's Inherent Immorality

49 Life's Retrospective Legacy

50 Life's Torturous Souls

51 Life's Passages

52 Life's Tribulations

53 Life's Spirituality

54 Life's Revitalizations

55 Life's Rapture

56 Life's Sacred Retaliation

57 Life's Fiery Resuscitation

58 Life's Experimentation

59 Life's Redemption

60 Life's Humanity

61 The District Life: Districtive

62 The District Life: Disarray

63 The District Life: Disassembled

64 The District Life: Disapparent

65 Life's Return: Home Sweet Sars Springs

66 Life's Return: The Practice

67 Sars Springs: The finale

Bonus Series:

B1 Life's Perspective: Matthew Garris (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B2 Life's Perspective: Bill Wheeler (Best Read after Life's Binding Ties)

B3 Life's Perspective: Perspective: Mike Dix (Best Read after Life's Connections)

B4 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Rewritten (Alternate Path Parallel to Unwritten Life & Death to Life's Binding Ties)

B5 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Crossroads (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Resurrection to Life's Depths of Souls)

B6 Life's Alternate Path: Destiny ... Intertwined (Alternate Path Parallel to Life's Explosion in Time to Life's Connections)

B7 Sars Springs Handbook (Best Read after Life's Torturous Souls)

B8 The Interview: Life's Revelations (Best Read after Life's Fiery Resuscitation)

B9 M.O.D Life Epic Saga Character Guide

Introduction

When the earth-shattering news about the deaths of the unforeseen spread across Sars Springs, each person deals with the news and grief in their own way. Tragedy in this magnitude as never affected Sars Springs as these deaths have.

Will the family find their way and be able to move on or will they allow their grief to overwhelm their lives? Can the new and old generations of Sars Springs move on or will their life stay stagnate? Learn how the new generation of Sars Springs, as well as the older generation try to move on, or will they separate themselves from those who need them the most? Is there a life after death? Can the dead ever really return, or do they just fade away and cease to exist?

1 Aiding

ALEX O’ROARK SMOOTHED out her black skirt and walked across the auditorium floor to the stage, where the podium stood. She took a deep breath and watched as the high school students piled in and took their seats quietly.

She smiled at the crowd and nodded toward the principal. Hello. Most of you know me already, but my name is Alex O’Roark. I would like to thank Principal Crandall for allowing me to speak with you today, she took a sip of water and continued. "I’m not here today as the Mayor’s wife or the CEO of Solutions Computer Systems, for that matter. I’m here to discuss something very close and personal to my heart. As you may or may not know, recently, I handed the reins of the Strategy and Strength facility on Holland Avenue over to my grandson, Captain William Markum. He is actually taking over it over for his other grandmother, Maria Markum, a very dear friend of mine, who died two years ago," Alex cleared her throat.

She took the microphone from the stand and walked over to the front of the stage. "There are a few reasons why I am here. First, I wanted to remind all of you that there are always classes open for anyone who wants to join. They are all free of charge. Donations are welcome but not necessary. Will is also going to expand, and we are also looking for new, young faces with martial arts experience to conduct classes, provide training, or even peer-counseling, Alex smiled and looked at all the faces. You all are very quiet for such a large group, she looked toward the large projection screen. What you’re about to see may shock you," she said, as the screen started to display a slideshow of battered women.

After the slideshow ended, she looked at their faces. "Violence doesn’t just hit women. Men are abused. Children are abused. Young and old persons are abused. Most are afraid to speak. Silence is not golden. Silence can kill. Some of you, yourselves, may be touched by violence. It could be you, your mother, grandmother, father, brother, sister, relative, or best friend. For me, it was my daughter, and a few of my friends, one of them, male, Alex wiped her eyes. A few months ago, a colleague of mine was killed. It turns out that she had been abused by her long-time boyfriend for years and never reported it. He was very good at hurting her in places where her clothes would hide the bruises. Alex looked around the room as a young girl raised her hand. Yes? You have a question?"

The young girl nodded and stood up. Mrs. O’Roark, do these classes show us how to protect ourselves? Some of us aren’t very strong. What if the person is bigger?

Alex waved to the back of the room, as they walked up to the stage. I want to introduce my grandchildren. This is Starr Lawrence and her brother, Logan Markum. Starr is about 120 pounds and is only about five foot three. Logan, on the other hand, is six foot two and weighs 185 pounds.

Logan and Starr waved at the crowd, as they applauded. Logan smiled. I’m a firefighter and Starr is a lawyer.

One of the boys stood up. "She’s the vigilante we read about."

Starr covered her face. I was 18-years-old at the time. I trained myself. I just want to show you that you can use several parts of your body to protect yourself.

What about grabbing a weapon? another girl asked.

Logan stepped forward. Anything you grab or any weapon you try to use on your attacker, remember there is always a chance that the attacker can get it away from you and use it against you.

Starr smiled at the crowd. Just remember. No one has the right to hurt you. No matter who it is. Also remember, defend and protect yourself and then, escape. Run, run as fast as you can.

Alex looked at the two. Ready?

Yes, Starr said, as she sat in the chair. Realistic situation. I’m sitting on the sofa at home, doing my homework. My parent is angry because I forgot to take out the trash.

Logan came up behind her, staggering. He grabbed her ponytail. She dropped to the ground, and he dragged her across the floor. She put her hand on his and dug her nails into his arm. He let go out of instinct. When he went to slap her, she placed her forearm in the air. He lunged at her, and she ducked the other way and managed to escape. Logan and Starr stood up.

Starr smiled at the crowd as they applauded. "Remember, it takes twice the force to hit and miss as it does to hit the target. Block the hit. They’ll try to hit you again. Duck and run. Run for safety. If you don’t feel safe going to a friends or neighbors, the hospital, the Strategy and Strength Facility or even my law firm are safe places for you to go."

The first young girl stood up. There isn’t a place just for kids, is there?

Alex looked at her. What do you mean?

Well, she looked around at the crowd of students. "There’s the DV shelter for battered women and their kids, but there isn’t a safe home for teens to go if their parents hurt them or even if their boyfriend or girlfriends hurt them. There should be."

Starr looked at Logan and then at Alex. You know, she’s right.

Alex nodded. "You are right. I think I know a way to fix that. I do have a contact a city hall, she laughed. Until I get it going, though, if any of you, I mean, any of you, need a place to stay to feel safe, take one of my cards from the table by the door and you’ll have a safe place when you need it. I promise. There are also applications for any of the jobs or classes. We’ll all be here for another hour if any of you have any questions or want to talk one on one," Alex said, as she, Starr, and Logan sat on the stage.

Starr looked at Alex. This was good, Gramma.

Yeah, it was good. Did you see how many kids took the cards?

It’s scary, but more than half of them, Logan said.

Gramma, you love this, don’t you?

Yeah, I do. I’ve been to conferences, but when I can help kids, it makes me feel good, Alex smiled as two young girls walked over to them. Yes, can I help you?

Mrs. O’Roark, I’m Tina, and this is my little sister, Erica.

Hi, Erica, how old are you?

I’m 12.

You go to high school? Starr asked.

No, but I heard you were going to be here, she grinned.

Oh, what can I do for you? Alex asked.

Well, she wanted to know if you would sign her book, Tina asked.

What book?

"Unwritten Life," Erica handed her the book.

Alex laughed slightly. Oh, wow, I almost forgot about this book.

Gramma? Starr asked.

Oh, a few years ago, an author, I forgot her name, Alex took the book out of Erica’s hand. "Oh, right, Amy Witkowski, that’s right, she changed her name, it’s Amy Shannon now, came to town and wanted to write my life story. I never read it. I guess I should, Alex stared at the book jacket. Unwritten Life a novel by Amy Witkowski, she opened the book. Oh, you got the author’s autograph?"

"Yes, but I thought, since the book was about you and you are so famous, that you could sign it under her name?" Erica’s eyes lit up.

Sure, I’d love to sign it, Alex signed her name.

May I see? Starr asked.

Yes, of course, Erica said. Are you famous, too?

No, not really, Starr laughed, as she flipped the book over and read the synopsis on the back of the book. Four years ago, tragic events changed Alex Garrison’s life forever. She has been running away from it and trying to put the past behind her. She changes her name, moves to a new town, and even starts a new career. Just when she feels that she can move on with her life, her past comes back to haunt her. Her best friend, Greg, appears out of the blue and constantly reminds her of what she did four years ago. During her personal venture for freedom, she gives in to her attraction to a married man. When a violent stalker sets his sights on her, she finds love in an unlikely place. But who wants her love so much, that he is willing to kill her for of it? she shook her head. "Isn’t this a little old for you?"

"No, it’s required reading. There’s a bunch of sequels, but this is how it all started. I’ve read it a dozen times."

Logan looked at Tina. I supposed you read it, too.

"Yup, I’ve read all the way to Written Life: Past meets Present. I think that’s after your daughter was born. I like that one the best. It’s very cool."

I guess the whole world knows my whole life story, Alex smiled.

It’s not just about your life. It’s about your family’s life and the life of our town. It’s our history. Our past, present, and what our future is going to be. Our written and unwritten fate, Tina smiled. Mrs. O’Roark, it was a great pleasure to meet you. Thank you, very much for giving our town life.

Alex smiled into their eyes. Tina, Erica, you are very welcome. If you ever need anything, please, let us know.

You’ve already given us what we needed, a long time ago, Tina said.

What was that? Alex asked.

Do you remember a woman named Andrea Larson? Tina asked.

Alex leaned back. "Yes, she used to work at Solutions. She dated a friend of mine, a long time ago."

She was our grandmother.

Oh, I didn’t realize. How is she?

She passed away a few years ago, but our parents live here now.

I’m sorry to hear that, Alex said.

She was a great woman and always talked highly of you. Thank you again, the girls took hands and headed out of the auditorium.

Alex looked at Starr and Logan. I think I need to see Jim.

Yeah, I have to get back to the firm, Starr stood up.

You OK? Logan asked.

Yeah, fine. Just a little light-headed, she smiled.

I have to get to work, want me to drop you off? Logan said.

Sounds great, Starr said, as the three of them headed out of the door of the auditorium.

Alex looked over at the table and noticed that all of the applications and business cards had been taken from the table. Yeah, making a difference in the next generation of Sars Springs, she smiled to herself.

2 Undeniable

DR. RAINA MARKUM walked out of the exam room and looked into Matthew and Emma Garris’ eyes. Where was he left?

In my waiting room, with this note, Matthew said.

Raina took the note and read it. "Well, she didn’t lie. This little one is definitely Kyle’s son. When is he due back?"

Next month. Are you sure?

"Dad, DNA doesn’t lie," Raina said to her second father. It was second nature now to call Matthew, Dad. Jim was her father, but so was his twin brother, Matthew. History and biology didn’t really matter anymore, but he was still her father. Is there any way to get word to Kyle?

He’s still in Iraq, Emma said. Matthew, what are we going to do?

He’s our grandson. How could Kyle do this to us? Matthew said, as the followed her into the room.

The two-year-old looked up at the adults with his big blue eyes and smiled. Raina picked him up, Morgan, it’s OK. You’re safe now.

Safe? he smiled.

Raina sat down on the bed and placed him on her lap. Yes, you’re safe. Your Mommy is in heaven, but your Daddy will be home soon.

Raina, what do we do?

"Dad, I don’t know. His mother is dead. Obviously, the person who left him in your waiting room couldn’t take care of him. I ran the DNA against the database. I’m waiting on confirmation of the family tree, but according to the letter, he was left with a friend. He needs his family. You’re his grandfather. Kyle needs to come home and take care of his son. It’s about time that his tour of duty is over. He’s done his share. He can retire now. He’s done three tours. I think the Marines will finally let him go," Raina said.

Emma took Matthew’s hand. Raina’s right. We’ll take care of him until Kyle comes home. I can try to contact them, but it will take time and a lot of red tape.

I think I still have some connections. I’ll see what I can do, Matthew said, as he picked up the child. Morgan, huh? he smiled. I’m your Papa.

Morgan smiled. Papa?

Matthew hugged him. "Papa. I can’t wait to show Jim his new great nephew. You get to meet the Mayor."

"Daddy will just love him. He spoils all the kids," Raina said.

Matthew looked into her eyes. It’s funny that he doesn’t seem to mind that you call me Dad, too.

That’s because he’s not the same man anymore. He’s like the man he used to be. He’s more loving than ever. I know he’s changed since that accident, but he’s changed even since he became Mayor. He and Momma are like young lovers again. It’s so wonderful how they are again. Momma has been full force about helping the young kids.

Emma and Matthew hugged Raina. He is healthy, right?

I gave him a thorough check up. He’s fine. Why don’t you take him home and get him settled? I’ll call you later. I have to meet with my husband and mother in an hour. I’ll see you later.

Raina walked down the hallway of the ER of the Hettie Farmer Memorial Hospital, toward the entrance to the Healer’s State Hospital. It was more of an experimental laboratory facility for rare diseases, but it was transformed into a separate hospital years ago. She knocked on the door labeled, Dr. Martin Welch. Martin?

Martin stood up. Ray, what brings you here?

I just wondered if you could spare some time at lunch for your best friend, she grinned.

"Sure, Carey has been swamped since Aunt Alex has been on her mission."

Yeah, but it’s a good mission. Mom is just in her glory right now. She’s happier than I’ve seen her in her entire life, Raina sat on his desk. What are you working on?

"Dad and Al finally got approval for the Cerebifree. They should be back in an hour. Dad called, and the FDA approved it. They’re so ecstatic. Probably out getting drunk or something."

"Yeah, right. Not your father," Raina laughed.

No, I know. Dad cured Al’s disease. They’re still determined to cure your strand of EDS you know, they haven’t forgotten about that.

I know. I know, Raina sighed.

Have you told Terry yet?

No. Not all the tests are back. I don’t want to worry him unless there is something to worry about.

"Ray?"

"I’m fine. Just a little run down. I will tell him if I find out it is out of remission, until then, not a word, Doctor."

I won’t say a word, Martin kissed her cheek.

Raina stood up. I’ll see you later, she walked toward the door, hitting her leg on the corner of his desk.

Ray, are you all right?

Yeah, I’m fine. Why?

You just cut your leg open.

What? she looked down at her leg, where her pants were covered in blood. How did that happen?

"You must’ve caught it on the corner. You didn’t feel it?"

No. It doesn’t hurt at all, Raina said. Martin, I still don’t feel it.

Let me take a look. Take off your pants.

Martin.

"First of all, you’re my cousin. Second, I’m gay. Third and most important, I’m your doctor. Take off your pants," Martin said, as he closed the door to his office.

She took off her pants and sat on his desk. She looked down at the open cut on her leg. Martin cleaned the wound. Looks like you need a stitch or two. You really don’t feel this?

No. Martin, what’s wrong with me?

I’m not sure. Do you feel this?

I feel the pressure. I feel the blood. It’s warm, but I don’t feel the pain. Why don’t I feel pain?

I don’t know. I want to run some tests on you after I get this taken care of. When is the last time you felt pain?

Physical pain?

Yeah, physical pain.

I don’t remember.

Emotional pain?

When Hank died. But, life’s been pretty good since then. Nothing really bad has happened in the past two years. I mean, Eric, Maria, and Hank died. That’s the last of the bad pain. Prior to that, the physical pain was when, oh, god, when Jake came back.

When the mark was removed, right?

Yeah, Raina said. No, wait, after the explosion, I felt sore when I broke my ribs but that was the last time. My mind’s been cluttered lately. I’m sorry.

Martin stitched up her leg. You didn’t feel that either, did you?

No, Raina said, as he bandaged her leg.

Let me get you some scrubs.

"Damn, I have to meet Momma at